EPA and SMSA Express unite to strengthen the publishing industry

Commitment to knowledge, culture, and education

This initiative reflects the commitment of both parties to promote knowledge, culture, and education. They share a dedication to enhancing collaboration to deliver innovative and sustainable services that support authors and cultural institutions throughout the region.

Empowering EPA members

Following the signing of the agreement, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, emphasised the importance of this partnership in empowering EPA members and supporting their initiatives. He stated, "This MoU represents a significant strategic step that will offer logistical support to our members and provide exclusive benefits to enhance their ability to access new markets and expand the reach of their cultural and knowledge-based content."

He also noted, "At the Association, we are committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector to create a more integrated and effective publishing ecosystem, opening up broad prospects for cultural cooperation and innovation in the UAE and the wider region."

SMSA’s commitment to the publishing sector

Yasser Zahreddine, Managing Director of Eastern Gulf at SMSA, expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, saying, "We are delighted to sign this partnership with the Emirates Publishers Association, which aligns with SMSA's commitment to supporting vital sectors in the UAE and the region. The publishing industry stands as a key cultural pillar, and we believe that advanced logistics solutions can empower publishers to expand their reach and increase the global visibility of Arabic and knowledge-based content."

He added, "Through our extensive experience and global network, SMSA will provide advanced logistics solutions that accelerate the delivery of publications to readers and target markets at competitive, well-calculated costs. We are fully committed to achieving higher operational efficiency and effective distribution management. This partnership reflects SMSA’s vision to support the creative economy and cultural initiatives while affirming our role in building a modern publishing ecosystem that aligns with the UAE’s ambitions to become a regional and global hub for knowledge."

Customised services for EPA members

The MoU offers customised services for EPA members, including preferential rates for shipping and transportation, as well as specialised logistics solutions tailored specifically for the publishing sector. This will strengthen the Association’s efforts to support publishers and aid in the growth of both the local and regional publishing ecosystems.

Advancing the publishing industry

This collaboration aligns with the Association’s vision to advance the publishing industry while promoting culture and knowledge. It highlights the importance of strategic partnerships that provide tangible benefits to EPA members and the wider cultural community.